Jordan looking to boost World Cup credentials
ENGLAND all-rounder Chris Jordan believes the versatile nature of his game can enhance his claims to gatecrash the World Cup ahead of today’s seventh one-day international (ODI) clash with Sri Lanka in Colombo.
Under-fire skipper Alastair Cook and his side face their hosts for the final time this tour with Sri Lanka holding an unassailable 4-2 lead, while England have now lost six of their last seven ODI series.
Sussex’s Jordan was recalled for England’s five-wicket victory at Hambantota and has since taken eight wickets – including dangerman Kumar Sangakkara three times – at an average of 25.62, second only to fellow all-rounder Chris Woakes.
The 26-year-old looked set to be on the periphery of England’s 15-man squad for January’s tri-series with hosts Australia and India, but is hopeful his resurgence can propel him to the forefront of selectors’ minds.
“I guess being a three-dimensional cricketer doesn’t hurt,” said Jordan, who is noted for his prodigious slip-catching and lower-order hitting, although the latter has not been evident against Sri Lanka.
“I’ve been working quite hard on my accuracy and consistency and also to keep up my pace, and I think I’ve shown glimpses in games. All I can do is keep putting in my hard work in the nets and any opportunity I do get in games, and leave the rest to the selectors.”
Jordan admits to lacking consistency in 2014, a year during which he has won 17 of his 18 ODI caps, while England have won just nine of 23 completed 50-over matches in that time period.
But with everything currently being viewed through the prism of the World Cup, Jordan insists today’s showdown will be far from a dead rubber and represents a chance for England to improve such an unflattering statistic.
He added: “We’re really close to putting together a full performance. Every time you put an England shirt on, you go out there to win a game for England.”